LadyChatts

Dan had posted something on SM about being single, but I don't know if he was married before. Had he ever mentioned his kids before Ponderosa? ETA: Alec's Ponderosa: Elizabeth said he didn't look like he lost a lot of weight, and Alec said he was surprised when they all said they would have voted for him. He said he needs to play again, but that probably ain't happening (which is too bad, because I'd love to see Alec get a second chance). John sure gets some interesting wake up calls lol I'm surprised he and Dan mess with a sleeping wrestler. Alec got to see his mom. Carl's Ponderosa: I didn't realize Carl was an ex-smoker who quit right before he went out there, so maybe that explains some of his high emotions. I thought he might be bitter but he was in very good spirits. I like how Carl says to Alec "you were strong as hell and that's why they all wanted you out" when he was leading the charge to vote him off. He also got to see his wife. Can I just say Elizabeth looks about 17? And I don't mean that as an insult, but I can't believe she's 31.

Nick found an idol. Alec voted for Carl, and everyone voted against him. In the Carl vote, Carl/Angelina/Nick/Davey voted for Alison, Mike/Christian/Gabby/Alison/Kara voted for Carl.

Me too! Although I'm wondering now if Gabby really does succeed in getting Christian out next week. That no doubt will lead to her own downfall, and that could in turn be how Nick/Angelina/Mike get to the final 3. I don't know how much use Nick ever had for Gabby, but believed a lot of it had to do with Christian. If he's out of the way, Nick may not trust Gabby or want to work with, and use her own 'big resume' talk against her. Now I'm a tad worried Christian might get voted out next week :( It'd be hard to not give someone like Christian the kind of edit he's gotten, winner or not, but they are likely setting him up for a return.

Another thing Gabby has to consider-Christian has an idol. I'm sure by next week everyone will know about it, but she and the other Davids at least know it and can relay that info to whoever she's working with in hopes of getting him out. All Christian would need to do is catch of wind of this plan, if Gabby is successful, play his idol, and save himself. If she survives the vote and isn't blindsided, I'm sure tears will be shed the likes of which we've never seen, and that no doubt will drive a wedge between them. I mean Christian only trusted Mike because he had to. I think he will be shocked if Gabby turns on him and may re-consider working with her. He isn't an immunity threat by any stretch, and no one even picked him to participate in the RC. I'm not saying wait awhile, but I don't think it's a good time for Gabby of all people to orchestrate his ouster. This could be a win for someone else.

Kara seemed kind of entitled tonight, considering she no longer had the numbers. She acted like working with the Davids was like inviting ants to a picnic, and I don't know where this sudden bond between her and Alec developed. After he blindsided Natalia, she was quick to turn on him. And she now knows he had a side alliance that might have taken her out had Mike not ditched it, and basically forced Alec and Alison to go back to the Goliaths. And Dan never did anything but try and protect Kara. I think Gabby is looking at Christian as a big move, but she needs to realize, the jury will hammer her about voting out her biggest ally when she did, and the only person who could stand consoling her and her tears. So they might say "big move" but they aren't going to give her a standing ovation. If she makes it to the end, I believe she will crack at the FTC if it gets too personal. I also don't think she's thinking long term. If her goal is to get Christian out because it is a big resume move, and one of her complaints about Carl was him getting credit for moves, doesn't she think this will in turn put a target on her back? Get Christian out, then get the person who took Christian out out of the game

I don’t know what I think about nighttime idol hunts. What exactly are the rules for idols? If someone has a clue are they the only ones that can find it nowadays? I know once a person has the idol in their possession no one can steal it, but what about the clues? And would the same apply to a nighttime idol hunt? I wonder what Kara thinks about overconfidence watching Alec’s TH back. I was half expecting Alec to break into a jig and have everyone chant ‘you the man’ after his TH at the picnic. He did not come off well tonight. I figured if he wasn't voted off, his time was coming. I loved John and Dan’s side comments at the two TC. Honestly, I didn’t know who I wanted to go more: Carl, because it would blindside Angelina and I’m not a particular fan of Carl. Or Alec, because I really did not like his or Kara’s attitude (I wish Kara had been blindsided). That said, I was hoping Christian/Gabby wouldn’t be stupid enough to go with the people who bailed on Strike Force and were Goliath strong at the last TC. Not sure where they stand right now or if Carl was a smart move. They are tied again when it comes to old tribal lines. No one really has anything to lose at this point, so alliances might be interesting next week. Gabby had a very valid point about Carl bringing Kara (Alec’s #1 ally) into the fold and her knowing about the vote before Gabby. The one thing I've grown to hate about modern day IC is that they are over so quickly. We use to have endurance challenges that would end long after the sun went down. Nowadays, they can be over in an hour (or less). So I was glad that Christian and Alec hung on as long as they did. Gabby, too. I don't think Christian was hurting nearly as much as Alec.

I'm loving this season too! At this point the last two seasons I didn't know who half the cast was, but I actually can see someone on my screen and know their name. I love that there's been some old school strategy, a (now disbanded) rag tag alliance that came out on top, the challenges and not overly extravagant rewards, the camp life scenes, and the editing. Tonight's two votes were a tad predictable, because I really didn't expect Alec to go with all the focus on him. I thought it might be Carl or possibly a Kara blindside. The second vote, I figured it was between Carl and Alison, but I really didn't know who was going. I'm not sorry Carl went, but I would have loved for him to stick around, only for Angelina to discover 'hey, I never said you took Gabby's place, we just used you, good bye.' I like Alison, so I'm happy she stayed, but it did both warm my heart and annoy me that the Goliaths finally knew what it felt like being on the bottom-but Alison, Alec, and especially Kara seemed more like 'yeah, we don't have a choice now.' To be fair to Alison, and I hope she is asked this, she was part of Strike Force, but then Mike bailed, and logically it made sense to her to stick with the numbers. She might not have had a choice. But yeah, mixed feelings on that. I actually roll my eyes during the family visit, and while I can be a crier, I'd probably look like a stone if one of my loved ones came around the corner. Not saying I wouldn't be happy to see them, but I just don't get how overly emotional everyone always is. Though show me pictures of my cats on the other hand....

If the final 3 really is Angelina/Mike/Nick, I just can't see how Nick doesn't win after tonight. It's getting so close to the end it's hard to imagine (though not impossible) one of the others having some big break out to win. Maybe they are leading into something with Angelina after tonight, but I can't say her edit has been flattering. She was way overconfident tonight, didn't even know her true place in that alliance, and got blindsided at the second TC. The better question is, how does Nick get to the final 3 with Angelina/Mike? Are they the two goats everyone wants to sit next to? With Gabby possibly targeting Christian next week, maybe there was something to the ladies teaming up, but again, there's two men in the final 3, and they can't both immunity run it there. Unless Nick's idol comes into play, Mike's too obvious of a goat, and the fire making challenge helps shape that outcome. And are we sure it is Nick in the final 3? Because while I think he's played the better game of the rumored final 3, I still don't think he necessarily screams winner. Unless they are making Christian a decoy with his big edit, because he's really the one I see winning at this point, but Nick wouldn't be far behind.

So next week we see Gabby aiming to get Christian out. I liked it better when the Davids cared less about big moves and resumes and were more about old school strategy, but Gabby brought that up tonight when it came to Carl potentially getting credit for their moves. Hopefully she does not succeed. The Goliaths have nothing to lose, I know Angelina would totally be down for it. But I don't want my Survivor husband to get voted off.

Angelina took overconfidence and cocky up about 100 notches tonight. And all because she flipped on the Goliaths. So she's on the bottom with the Davids (but doesn't know it, just like she didn't know she was on the bottom with the Goliaths), and suddenly she thinks she's taken Gabby's spot and is queen? And while it was admirable she sat out the IC...how could she not? That was all her idea. I thought she was over negotiating with all the stuff she was offering. But I don't care how many negotiation classes you take, you will never beat Jeff when it comes to bartering for rice. I thought it was interesting she sat out the first IC. She must have felt awful comfortable, considering her name came up at the last TC. If Carl really was a control freak, no wonder they got along so well. I really don't think getting more rice will earn her brownie points with the jury. The way Alec was looking, you'd think Christian was talking about the most disgusting, stomach churning, sea sick worthy stuff. Nope, just about plant root.

Christian during the first IC: “Jeff, do you mind if I tell a story to pass the time” aka try to psych Mr. Muscles out? OMG do I want to marry this man! I don’t understand 99% of what he’s talking about, but I don’t care, let the man speak. Gabby was totally me during my middle and high school years of gym class during that challenge. She may have shed tears tonight, but I was glad to see her gain some confidence in the game play. Second half of the episode, Christian’s TH about Carl’s plan to vote out Alison: “Yes, I’m okay with it. Yes, I’m okay deferring all my decisions to a man that’s half sloshed.” Again, I love this man! One thing, what happened to Nick and Christian working together? He was David Strong tonight and I didn’t see him and Christian talking tonight at all. They seem to have drifted since the merge. I couldn’t believe my hope in Alison staying rested on Mike. I was ready to burn his hat Russell Hantz style. Your choice of head wear is safe for now, sir.

I don't even think she is a villain. I find her unlikable and she does strike me as a mean girl, but not a villain in the vain of other villains that have come through the ranks (even the fun ones). Again, it's hard to say without knowing what's going to happen tomorrow, which I think will be more telling how the rest of the season goes, even if alliances tend to flip flop. She said in the preview the Goliaths don't know how vicious she can be, which might just be nothing but a bunch of hot air that leads nowhere. It seemed from the preview she was more upset her Goliath team mates voted against her-and I am in no way saying she's being unreasonable in being upset. If she merely flips on the Goliaths, gets out everyone but Mike, she's going to look like a coat tail rider. Yes, the fair argument is she got out the very people who were targeting her and she beat them to the final 3, but will the jury look at it like that? Would they consider that good game play, or just making it easier for the Davids? Angelina has already shown that she can be controlling and spiteful when she doesn't get her own way (this is where the Elizabeth fiasco might come back to bite her), so she could get questioned why she played a good game when she merely flipped and just got taken to the end because she seemed like a goat. I would be surprised if the Goliaths go into both TC tomorrow looking to stay together, but it could be no one expects Angelina to flip, or thinks she's the one going. This could come down to her doing all the dirty work and making enemies while the likes of Nick continues to work on his social bonds. Right now, based on edits, I still think Christian or Nick have the best chances of winning. We will see what tomorrow brings in terms of story arc and edits. I hopefully won't have to concede that Angelina might have a solid shot, but even now I'm not entirely ruling it out.

Jenna’s edit wasn’t that great, especially when it came to her tribemate Christy, but I recall many people said she was young and immature, and just aligned with the wrong people (namely her Survivor BFF Heidi). After the season aired, Jenna admitted she didn’t like what she saw and had a lot of growing up to do. I’m not saying she gained a ton of respect, but some people were willing to cut her a break. Thailand was just a shit show season that despite Brian being unpopular (I think more for his actions off the show), people seemed to think he at least played a decent game and was the least worst of the final 4. Your thoughts on Angelina sum up her edit perfectly. It’s why I’m having a hard time seeing her win, but we’ll see what tomorrow brings. She backstabs the Goliath’s it might not matter what Nick does, he might get all their votes just because. I want to see Angelina have a Brad Culpeppe moment when she comes to the realization she’s lost and just turns away from everyone and sulks.

Well so far, it's only been 3 males who've found the idols. I can totally see Christian finding another idol. I believe the second part of that spoiler applied to Dan, unless there's some twist we don't know about yet. Some people on other sites were speculating Alec, and thinking he was bitter over his dis-invite from the reunion. Of course there was strong speculation Alec was a pre-juror, since he wasn't invited to the reunion, and maybe was bitter about an early exit so he violated the NDA and got himself into that mess as a result. It's still possible Alec could have a bitter exit, and I won't be surprised if he is blindsided. Other people though Dan, but I don't know if I believe it was him. I'd laugh if it was Lynn Spillman who did this out of revenge for getting fired.

But she had to practically beg Dan to play the idol for her (or at least that's how it came across), and I can't say her getting rid of Elizabeth is anything to write home about. She almost got herself booted. I just think her edit has been condescending, comedic, controlling, and, again, she gave shades of a mean girl in the premiere when she saw the David tribe for the first time. I'm not 100% ruling her win out if the final 3 is Nick/Mike/Angelina, but so far I don't think she has much to stand on. If Christian is in the final 3 then she doesn't have a chance, unless they are doing a Michele/Aubry edit with them, but Probst likes Angelina so I don't think he'd set her up like that. I only saw the spoiler that mentioned the Goliath male having two idols, another male finds one, and he uses one in a shocking TC. I know his idol will be re-hidden but not sure who will find it. I'm glad I'm not the only one that can't keep the spelling of Davie's name right.

It’s been such a good season but Angelina winning? Yeah, I’ll pass. I do agree with Probst that no one should ever listen to him. He’s a fan of Angelina, so I’m honestly not surprised to hear him say that.

It's hard to say who will and won't be bitter, and whether they are told to play it up. I can see Carl being bitter, but I believe Christian and Gabby will respect Nick's game play. I mean, Gabby is super emotional, but I'd like to think she'll put that aside. It is also possible that he simply aligns with Christian/Gabby/Mike/Angelina (because clearly Nick plus the other rumored final 3 aren't going to get there by themselves). They make it to the final 5/6, and maybe Angelina or Mike finds an idol or advantage or goes on an immunity run. Or if there's another Goliath in the mix, it might come down to the Goliaths taking out the Davids in the alliance, and Nick goes on an immunity run/finds an idol. It could come down to 2 Davids/2 Goliaths in the final 4, and one or both Davids have to make fire to earn their spot in the final 3. It's hard to say right now what exactly is going to transpire. Maybe Davey and Carl try to turn on Nick first and that sets in motion him turning on them. In reality, the Davids banded together because they had to. Had it not been for Mike bailing on Strike Force, thus making Alison and Alec bail on that alliance, we might not have seen the past two episodes play out the way they did. I do think this week might be telling as to how the remainder of the season goes. I think there's several possibilities where Nick can make it to the end and not look like the bad guy, or at least not a total bad guy. I've been surprised by juries before, and again, the only one I can see being bitter is Carl. Dan might be, depending, and Davey could if he goes out in spectacular fashion. It's hard to say!

From a game play stand point, I don't think Angelina has been very impressive, and she doesn't seem to like not being in control. I also wonder if what happened with Elizabeth will come back to bite her. Clearly that was pure jury management, and I don't know why she would be surprised that Elizabeth would be scrambling to save herself or call her out. When she's put on the spot I don't think she handles it well. In addition, in the first episode she was making fun of the Davids as they climbed aboard the boat. It was in a TH, but a weird thing to showcase a winner saying. I honestly just don't think she can pull a win off based on her edit so far, because I don't think she's been portrayed in the best light. Again, there's still time, but not much. The way it has been going this season who knows. I find her annoying and conceited, but comedic at the same time because of her bad gameplay and perceptions of everything going on that is wrong (plus having to beg for stuff at TC). Mike really has nothing going for him, and I really don't think he can change his game around in time. Nick can argue that he was supposed to be the first one gone, and due to unforeseen circumstances managed to survive and get a second chance in the game. He's clearly made strong social bonds, as he had multiple people telling him about the vote for Christian (which in turn helped save Christian), he successfully played his advantage, and has made strong alliances. I don't think he's backstabbed anyone so far. The one thing that might hurt him is when Jessica was voted off, and he was saying it was Gabby's decision, should that come up. In addition, we didn't see all the Goliaths telling him about Christian, so that might hurt his case a little in terms of showing he's got a good social game. For Nick, I hope he doesn't lose to a bitter jury or a Goliath strong mentality on the jury. He hasn't been cocky or obnoxious to anyone in the game, and didn't gloat about his advantage.

If Angelina doesn't have a big break out episode in the next couple of weeks, then I'm going to believe Nick wins. So far, he's the only one of the final 3 that seems like he could win.

I am not looking forward to a Probst casted returning player season, but am curious how he’ll do casting a newbie season. S38 was Lynne’s last season, but I think our current season has one of the better casts in a long time. Also excited to see Canadians in the cast. If S40 is a returning player season of some form, I really hope there’s a good variety. Not just contestants in the last 10 seasons (or the bulk being from post HvsV), and that we aren’t seeing people for the fifth and sixth time.

This is a theme for a future season. In Alec's case, I can see where he can make the argument that he didn't have a choice but to go back on his word to the Davids. I really believe he wanted to work with them, but didn't have the numbers to do so once Mike bailed. After this week, it'll be interesting. Kara kinda, sorta seems like she's playing the game, but I don't know that it'll be enough at this point. Probably her biggest move was trying to get Dan out/voting Angelina. What exact good that did her game, I don't know, but it seems like there's a lot of bonds being made and alliances that we aren't being shown. I don't believe Gabby or Carl have anything. Alison could be viewed as wishy washy, but she could try to make the same case as Alec-wanted to work with the Davids, but didn't have the numbers. At this point, I think Nick and Christian still stand the best chance of winning, maybe Angelina. Davey I'd love but I just don't think his edit supports it. Nick winning would be amazing-from a guy who was supposed to be the first boot to being one of the best game players this season and taking the whole thing. I will be curious next week if anyone has a huge break out episode.

Awww, I don't want Davie to go. Next week is two hours, so a double boot. Hopefully if a David goes a Goliath goes, too. I'd hate to think two Davids go back to back, just because I don't trust the stupid Goliaths to not go Goliath strong again. ETA: they seem to be speculating if it is the same jacket Davie was wearing at camp. Also, there's a screen shot of Christian holding what looks like a folded up piece of paper. Maybe he gets an advantage?

In thinking about it, is it possible Strike Force could shape up again-but without Alec? Alison/Mike are supposedly close, Gabby wanted to work with Alison and may get drawn back in, but I don't see her betraying Christian. And Alison and Angelina may decide to make big moves that means moving on from the Goliaths, especially since she didn't seem too happy about Kara and Alec voting for her (not sure what role she'll feel Alison had since Alison didn't vote). Christian obviously will still have his alliance with Nick, so I'm wondering if that's how Angelina/Mike make their way to the final 3 with whatever David is sitting beside them. It would probably be one of the more dysfunctional groups to work together and making it to the end, but then again, the Goliaths didn't like each other but went all Goliath Strong, and the Davids didn't have a choice but to band together. So maybe that'ls an underlying theme of the season-work with the people you don't like and trust the least. Since Alison was talking about resume building, the Davids kind of have a one up on the remaining Goliaths if the game came down to that, so next week might be where everything descends into chaos. And Christian/Nick/Gabby might insist that they if they were to team back up with any Goliaths, to gain their trust, they would need to vote a Goliath off first before they'd want to work with them (meaning Kara or Alec could get it). Obviously this is pure speculation. I just don't want Christian or Nick having some huge underdog triumph to the final 3, where they have to win immunities and find convenient idols when they need them because they are being targeted. And I don't want 2 Goliaths in the finale to mean they gain the upper hand and pick the Davids off.

Is there a spoiler about the David having worked with the Goliaths making the final 3? I think there are several ways Christian can make it. He could still end up working with Angelina and Mike, despite Mike's betrayal and Angelina wanting him gone. If Angelina wants to turn on the Goliaths at the next vote, she would need the Davids (including Christian) for that. He has an idol, and there's always a chance he could win immunity when he needs it. At this point, I think it'll be Christian or Nick, but I suppose anything is possible. As long as the David wins I'm happy. The only Goliath that I'd be happy to see win is Alec, but clearly that isn't happening. Disappointing that he had to go screw up after the show, because I'd love to see him return in another season, but that seems unlikely. In the one preview posted, Gabby is seen asking Christian if people think she's stupid (and it was just a clip, but her tone made me think she was surprised by that). So there's always a chance she could make a move, especially if she gets pulled in by Alison. Carl and Davey never really had ties with Christian/Nick/Gabby, so whose to say they don't go rogue. I still think it'll be Nick and Christian based on edit, but who knows. I'm more curious how Mike makes it, unless he really is just getting dragged along. Since he's a friend of Probst, I wonder if he's disappointed that Mike is basically the worst game player left.

Pre-jurors don't have their own Ponderosa series, which I think is disappointing. Especially this season-would have loved to have seen the looks on everyone' s faces when Natalie showed up. Once the merge happens, the pre-jurors are sent off on a vacation somewhere. I don't know if they stay right in Fiji or go out of the country (it has varied in other seasons-I know during Worlds Apart, which filmed in Nicaragua, the pre-jurors were sent to Costa Rica). As a rule, the pre-jurors aren't supposed to leave before the game has finished filming, but there have been times it has happened. However, they aren't supposed to make it obvious they are home.